"The way to think about holiday migraines and holiday headaches is that there are a variety of triggers that can precipitate migraine in someone who is susceptible to migraine and it's not just one thing. It's the combination of all of the things," said Tepper.

Tepper said stress levels are typically higher during the holidays and stress is a migraine trigger.

Throw in other triggers like a lack of sleep or alcohol, and people who are already susceptible to migraines put themselves at risk.

"And if you lay all of these potential triggers on top of each other and then are subjected to one of the usual triggers of smell, meaning perfume, incense, those kinds of things, smoke, those kinds of things. It's going to trigger an attack," said Tepper.

Tepper said regular aerobic exercise can help reduce stress levels, which can help ward off an attack. He said it's also important to get enough sleep.

But if you know you're going into a situation where potential triggers exist, Tepper said be sure to have your medications with you.

"Simply have the medicines in your back pocket, so that if you are subject to a trigger you immediately take the acute treatment, the "as-needed" treatment and don't be shy about it. Don't be bashful and don't wait to see if the migraine is going to develop, but get right on top of it early," he said.

Tepper said an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so thinking about it in advance is a better approach than trying to catch-up after a headache has been triggered.